An intracranial cholesteatoma is a slow-growing pearl of shed skin cells trapped deep inside the skull. As it expands it irritates nerves and blocks fluid paths, giving off quiet but stubborn warnings. The first clue is a one-sided headache that feels like dull pressure behind the ear or eye. It marches deeper over months and does not care about aspirin. Hearing fades on the same side. Voices sound underwater, you crank the phone volume, yet the ear still feels plugged. Brief dizzy spells pop up. The room tilts for a few seconds when you roll over in bed or look... Learn more